Though Sennheiser took over sales and development of installed sound and studio monitor specialists Klein + Hummel back in 2005, they've left the brand to exist on its own. However, according to a release from Sennheiser, those days are over. Klein and Hummel will be integrated into existing brands by the beginning of 2010, with most of the K+H workforce following suit.

According to Sennheiser spokesman Volker Bartels, the main reasoning behind the change is simply the lack of brand recognition with the K+H name. Sennheiser already has a strong presence in recording studios with the Neumann brand, which will expand its portfolio with the addition of K+H monitors. Similarly, installed sound products from K+H will now be part of Sennheiser's installed sound lineup.

Volker Bartels, a spokesman for Sennheiser, says that this change will be a strong move for the company, and K+H's products alike. “Under these well known brands,” says Bartels “we hope to considerably increase sales of these premium products. Neumann and Sennheiser promise a much better market penetration than is at present possible under the brand name of Klein + Hummel."